Hunting and fishing: Goose, duck hunting good

Reports reaching this desk put the goose and duck hunting as good, maybe great. Goose hunters are shooting mostly limits. Some duck hunters are also, but others are waiting for the northerns to arrive, as they put it.

Moses Lake was covered with more geese than we can remember seeing on the lake. There were plenty of ducks also.

The late general deer season is now closed, as is the bear season. Some late archery and muzzleloader deer and elk seasons continue.

Send me photos of your successful hunts and fishing trips. My e-mail is: dclay@atnet.net.

The following is presented because we know we have steelhead lovers in the Columbia Basin.

Fish and Wildlife seeks nominations for steelhead and cutthroat policy advisory group

Fish and Wildlife is seeking nominations to a citizen advisory group that advises the department on steelhead and anadromous cutthroat management issues.

The department will select as many as 15 individuals to serve two-year terms on the Steelhead/Cutthroat Policy Advisory Group, with new terms beginning in January 2015. Advisors provide guidance to WDFW on a range of issues related to management of steelhead and cutthroat. Advisors also serve as an important communication link between the department and its constituents.

Advisors should have a broad statewide interest in steelhead and cutthroat. They must effectively communicate with large segments of the public and clearly articulate their ideas and guidance to fishery managers within the department. The advisory group will meet approximately four times each year and advisors are asked to provide comment on written material throughout the year.

Current members of the advisory group are encouraged to reapply. Fish and Wildlife is also looking for new candidates with varied backgrounds who can effectively present their views on steelhead and anadromous cutthroat management to Fish and Wildlife and the public.

Any group or individual can submit a nomination. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominees do not need to be affiliated with an organized group. Nominations must include the following information: The nominee's name, address, email address and telephone number. Relevant experience. Brief description of interest in serving as a member of the advisory group.

Also, nominee's affiliations, if any. Nominee's effectiveness in communication. Name and contact information for any individual or organization submitting a nomination. Nominations must be received by Dec. 31.

Nominations may be submitted to Bob Leland, WDFW steelhead program manager, by mail: 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA, 98501-1091; or by email robert.leland@dfw.wa.gov. More information is available by contacting Bob Leland at (360) 902-2817.

Comment period extended on proposed rules for Columbia River Basin sportfishing; again

The public will have more time to review proposed changes to fishing rules for the Columbia River Basin under an extended comment period announced today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Under the new timeline, Fish and Wildlife will accept written comments through Dec. 1 on the proposed rules - about two weeks longer than previously announced.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposals at its Dec. 12-13 meeting in Olympia. Written testimony can also be submitted during that time.

The commission, which sets policy for Fish and Wildlfie, is scheduled to take action on the proposed rule changes in a January meeting. The commission's meeting times, locations and agendas can be found on its webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/.

Fisheries managers have recommended 32 of the proposals submitted by the public and staff in May move forward for additional review. To review and comment on the proposed rules, visit WDFW's webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/. The webpage has more information about the proposals as well as those not recommended for further consideration.

After checking the proposed rules, this is one which will affect Columbia Basin anglers: Recommended for Public Comment: Number 14. Implement year-round season and statewide general rules for selected lakes to manage for mixed species populations. Rules Category: Region 2

Type of Rule Change Proposal: Recreational. County or Location Information: Adams and Grant counties.

Short Description: Convert regulations to statewide general rules (year-round) to increase fishing opportunity on mixed species.

Explanation: These lakes are no longer managed intensively for trout and are managed as mixed species fisheries. Seasonal to Year-round Regulation: Brookies Lakes (Grant Co.); Dot Lake (Grant Co.); George Lake (Grant Co.); Herman Lake (Adams Co.); Lower Caliche Lake (Grant Co.); Lyle Lake (Adams Co.); Mirror Lake (Grant Co.); Thread Lake (Adams Co.); and West Caliche Lake (Grant Co.). Special Rules to Statewide General Rules: Alkali Lake (Grant Co.).